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Job outlook for public affairs officers in the United States
Public affairs officer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected public affairs officer job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for public affairs officers are projected over the next decade.
Public affairs officer salaries have increased 8% for public affairs officers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,918 public affairs officers currently employed in the United States.
There are 66,195 active public affairs officer job openings in the US.
The average public affairs officer salary is $66,001.
Are public affairs officer jobs in demand?
Public affairs officer job and salary trends over time
Public affairs officer jobs over time
Public affairs officer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,918 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,963 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,967 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,828 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,699 | 0.00% |
Average public affairs officer salary over time
Public affairs officer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $66,001 | $31.73 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $64,256 | $30.89 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $63,048 | $30.31 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $62,312 | $29.96 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $60,967 | $29.31 | +2.2% |
Public affairs officer jobs by state
Most common states for public affairs officers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 156 | 22% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,394 | 20% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 207 | 20% |
| 4 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 318 | 19% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,553 | 18% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,025 | 18% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 128 | 17% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 207 | 15% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 96 | 15% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,251 | 14% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 863 | 14% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 785 | 14% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 119 | 14% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,121 | 13% |
| 15 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,640 | 13% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,326 | 13% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 396 | 13% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 254 | 13% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,551 | 12% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 347 | 12% |
Most common cities for public affairs officers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $110,960 |
Public Affairs Officer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of public affairs officer experts
University of Florida
Washington State University
American University
Loyola University New Orleans
University of Cincinnati
San Jose State University
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Methodist University
Husson University
University of Akron
Columbus State University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Montevallo
University of San Francisco
University of Scranton
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Officer?
Dr. Joy Daggs: I think making yourself the most well-rounded candidate you can be is the best way to maximize your salary potential. Try lots of things in your undergraduate experience. What you think you want to do as a freshman may not be as appealing after you try it. Most jobs do not require only one skill, so having a variety of skills where you can plug in several places in an organization is helpful. Even if you want to go into something like event planning, you still need writing skills, design skills, interpersonal skills, etc. to do that job effectively.
Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. There are workshops from organizations such as AAUW (American Association of University Women) to help you build those skills.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joy Daggs: I have quite a bit of advice:
1. Get as much experience as an undergraduate as possible. Many programs require internships, but even if they don't, seek opportunities to get experience. Take leadership roles in student organizations. Even if it's not specifically a 'public relations' entitled position, anything where you practice your skills is helpful. Even if you need to work a job in retail or service, those jobs still provide important benefits other than a paycheck. Don't discount your experiences!
2. Don't pass up opportunities to meet professionals. Many schools and departments bring their alumni on campus or do virtual events so that you can meet and chat with professionals. Even if it's not required for class, GO. You never know when a casual conversation may lead to an internship or an important professional connection.
3. Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage. Make sure you have a professional picture that shows you in your best light. Follow organizations that you want to work for and other professional organizations related to your interests. I know of people getting interviews based off of LinkedIn interactions. Check your other social media accounts to make sure that you are not presenting yourself poorly. Most likely, organizations will Google you or look up your personal social media. There are reports of students losing opportunities because of poor social media choices.
Dr. Rebecca Frazer
Assistant Professor of Public RelationsUniversity of Florida
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rebecca Frazer: Be eager, flexible, and willing to learn. Entry-level PR positions often involve a broad range of different tasks that may require the employee to quickly teach themselves new skills, software, and applications. Demonstrating an ability to catch on quickly and an eagerness to take on new challenges goes a long way in impressing an employer.
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Officer?
Michelle Galey: PR is a great profession to enter now because of the growing demand for PR professionals, varied career opportunities, growth potential, competitive salary and benefits, and work-life balance and flexibility. Plus, working in PR allows you to be creative and work with so many different software tools and platforms. With the increasing reliance on digital media and online platforms, there is a growing demand for PR professionals who can effectively navigate these channels and stay up to date with current trends and technologies. We live in an era of 24/7 communication and public scrutiny, so organizations need highly skilled PR professionals to manage and mitigate potential crises effectively. Although this is a sad reality, it provides more work for PR professionals!
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Galey: From my experience being a PR practitioner myself and talking to my former PR students, it’s easy to find both rewards and challenges in the PR profession. My former students tell me that they enjoy the variety, creativity, impact, and networking opportunities in the field but that can sometimes come with high pressure, stress, unpredictability, client expectations, and mundane administrative tasks. These tasks can range from data entry to maintaining media lists and contact databases. Despite the challenges, they find the field rewarding and fulfilling, knowing they have an opportunity to grow in their careers and make significant impacts within their organizations and for their clients.
Jason Mollica
Professorial LecturerAmerican University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Mollica: It’s safe to say understanding artificial intelligence is a skill that pros in the PR/strategic communication field should be learning now. According to Muck Rack’s State of AI in PR survey, more than twice as many pros were using generative AI at the end of 2023 as opposed to the beginning. This is where networking can be helpful. If you are a part of a professional organization, like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), or subscribe to one of the social intelligence platforms like Meltwater, look for webinars or conferences where there are opportunities to gain insight and, yes, an advantage where you may be working. While it has always been important, understanding the news media is a skill that requires consistent adaptation. What are the local media outlets and who the key reporters are for traditional and digital? As newsrooms continue to consolidate, knowing the media landscape can be a skill that pays dividends.
Jeffrey Ory
President & CEO, il Stratega Marketing & Public Relations, Adjunct ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Jeffrey Ory: Starting a career in public relations can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to shape perceptions and craft compelling narratives. As you embark on this path, there are a few foundational strategies that can enhance your success in the dynamic field of PR. First and foremost, cultivating a robust network is essential. The heart of public relations lies in forging strong connections. Engage actively with colleagues, journalists, and industry professionals. This can be achieved by attending industry events, participating in relevant organizations, and maintaining a vibrant presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. These relationships will not only provide valuable insights and opportunities but also support your growth in the field. Equally important is honing your communication skills. In public relations, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount. Dedicate time to refining your writing and speaking abilities, ensuring you can deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to various audiences and media formats. This skill set is your toolkit, enabling you to convey your clients' messages effectively and resonate with your target audience. Staying informed cannot be overlooked. The landscape of public relations is constantly influenced by shifting industry trends, breaking news, and technological advancements. By keeping abreast of these changes, you can better anticipate and meet the needs of your clients and the media, thus solidifying your role as a knowledgeable and indispensable asset. Practical experience is another cornerstone of a successful PR career. Seek out internships or entry-level positions within PR agencies or in-house teams. These opportunities are invaluable for understanding the industry's dynamics from the inside out, providing a real-world context to the theories and strategies learned in academic settings. Lastly, embracing a proactive and creative mindset is crucial. Public relations thrive on innovation and initiative. Be ready to propose new ideas, tackle challenges with creative solutions, and manage crises with agility and poise. Your ability to think outside the box and act decisively in high-pressure situations will set you apart in the fast-paced world of public relations.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Elizabeth Foster Ph.D.: Be open to new experiences that may be different from the career path you originally had in mind. Remember, your first job will not be your last! Often students are exposed to new areas they had not previously considered in which they end up thriving. Starting in an agency is an excellent way to be exposed to a range of job functions and clients.
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: I encourage students to create a portfolio of work samples, including writing, research, and creative pieces. They can use this portfolio to show skills, potential, and the value they will add to a company. I also encourage students to pursue continued education and practical certifications after graduation (e.g., Google and LinkedIn offer free and low cost certifications). Adding those certifications to a resume can show skills, relevance, and work ethic. Joining professional associations (e.g., Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing Association, Together Digital) is also key. Many of those associations offer mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. Finally, it is important to put yourself forward for opportunities. Employees who take on projects and are unafraid of challenges create leverage for themselves in salary negotiations.
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Officer?
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: It can be a hectic job with responsibilities continually expanding. Some enjoy the challenges and the opportunity to develop new skills, while others may find the pace overwhelming. The variety of industries open to PR professionals allows them to work in sectors they are passionate about, making their work fulfilling.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: On a daily basis, PR practitioners are implementing various earned media strategies to build two-way mutually beneficial relationships with consumers. PR is more about building meaningful, long-term relationships between consumers and a brand by telling meaningful stories and communicating information about the brand. Tasks can range from curating content on social media, pitching stories to journalists, event planning, updating website information, drafting newsletters and press releases, designing graphics, conducting market performance and consumer attitude analysis, and more.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: A PR practitioner's day-to-day responsibilities can widely vary depending on the practitioner's role, including media relations, social media management, content creation, crisis and reputation management, research and data analytics, and employee communication. Regardless of the specific role, all public relations practitioners help organizations behave and communicate in ways that build trust between the organizations they represent and the stakeholders on whom their success or failure depends. A beginning practitioner could be involved in a variety of tasks, including media monitoring, social media management, research, writing, content creation, and event planning and support.
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Officer?
Dr. Dustin York: As customers are becoming more and more reluctant to traditional advertising, PR is breaking through the noise. Businesses crave a good online reputation that attracts loyal customers, so PR skills are in high demand. Plus, it's a blend of writing, creativity, and tech-savviness - a hot commodity these days.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dustin York: A PR pro's day is a juggling act of pitching stories to media, crafting content, planning events, and maybe even communicating an issue or crisis, but all their work comes down to some sort of storytelling. Newbies assist senior folks with projects, but some common tasks for entry-level pros include media listening and auditing.
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen
Associate ProfessorWhat will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen: The exciting thing about working in PR is that it's never the same. You might be planning an event, writing news releases, developing social media strategies and content, managing campaigns, or working with the media, depending on the day. PR is also versatile - you can work in the auto industry, healthcare, politics, beauty, sports, entertainment... the possibilities are endless. No matter which path you take, the core skills we utilize in PR are writing, research, public speaking, organization, and creativity. How we use those skills will vary from day-to-day.
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication and MediaMethodist University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.: One of the top advice I see is that you document your successes with KPIs. Keep a Word file in your personal cloud documenting any and all positive feedback from colleagues and hard data that demonstrate successful results. Only you know exactly how you've impacted the company through your work, and no one is going to advocate for you as well as you can for yourself!
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.: Overall, it is important that anyone pursuing a career in PR to have a combination of investigative, planning, management, and social media experience and skills. Additionally, advance proficiency in Excel will set you apart from candidates.
Regarding the future, I think data analysis and synthesis is extremely important. Majority of metrics are assessed via third-party data, so it is important to be able to look at descriptive statistics and synthesize recommendations for clients.
Ms. Nancy Roberts APR, MBA
Assistant ProfessorHusson University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Ms. Nancy Roberts APR, MBA: People appreciate the creativity and variety in tasks that come with being a Communications Specialist. They enjoy the opportunity to shape public perception and tell compelling stories. However, the fast-paced nature of the job and the pressure to always be on top of trends and crises can be challenging for some.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
McKenna Vietmeier: When it comes to Public Relations, there are some fundamental skills that we will see persist: writing and strategic thinking. Excellent writing skills and the ability to strategize/problem solve continue to be the most requested qualifications we get from employers and many of our recent grads point to our PR Writing and PR Strategic Campaigns courses as the ones that best prepared them for their careers. However, in the next 3-5 years, PR students will also need to diversify their skillsets. Many employers now expect their PR person to be a one-stop shop for expertise in social media, graphic design, media relations, multimedia, SEO, marketing, and more. It will become increasingly important for students to think outside of the parameters of standard curriculum and seek out coursework that will help them become the well-rounded, adaptable professional that employers are looking for.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiffany McBride: As a new communications graduate, students must establish versatility, showcase the schooling and skills they have learned, and leverage any internships or industry-related employment, business, and community relations experience. Communications, specifically public relations and strategic communication, require strong written and vocal communication abilities; highlighting what you have accomplished both inside and outside the classroom will make you stand out from other applicants. It is also a good rule of thumb to keep up with industry trends and standards by networking with industry-related professionals and researching and studying the industry. One piece of advice I give my public relations students and any student taking my courses is to start early by creating an online portfolio of your communication projects and using professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn. Creating a professional or more industry-focused social media presence tells employers and those in the industry that you have researched what it takes to get into the field and are serious about your profession. Also, if the portfolio is comprehensive and created well, it offers a more holistic approach to what you, as a graduate, know how to do, not just what you learned from a textbook but real-life application. Although they may not be your dream job coming out of college, get internships or entry-level jobs to gain experience and network to open doors and gain insights for the future.
Marisa Peacock
LecturerUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Communication And Media Studies
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marisa Peacock: Everything is public relations. The traditional approach to PR doesn't always apply. Because of the expansive and pervasive nature of how information is shared on and offline, if you're trying to educate, promote or persuade a public, that's public relations. As such, your job title might not reflect it, so when applying for jobs, focus more on the job responsibilities than the job title.
Good public relations specialists are curious. They love learning about how things work, the people who are involved, and about how the public engages - ask questions, attend events, meet the people at your company - this will all make your job easier, because you'll have a more holistic view about the brand, its products, and services.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Marisa Peacock: It's important to figure out how much it costs to keep you alive. Before job hunting, do the math. How much is rent, car, food, etc? Do you need a Starbucks coffee every morning or can you brew your own? Do you need health insurance (recent grads can stay on their parent's insurance until 26 in most cases)? Figure out that number and then add in buffer room so you can have some wiggle room or opportunities to save. That's your base salary. If you go below, you'll have to make concessions - some reasonable, some not. Use cost of living calculators to determine what salaries look like in other places. Remote and hybrid work is still available, so it's important to factor that in, especially if you're going to live in different locations than where you work.
When looking for jobs, don't underestimate your experience. Even if you haven't had PR-related internships, chances are you've demonstrated public relations skills that can translate well. If you worked in retail, for example, that's a lot of customer relations. If you worked front of house at a restaurant, you know how to engage a public. If you worked as a barista, you know how to meet deadlines, work in chaotic situations, and communicate with others.
Look for the skills that make you better at PR and then highlight those experiences on resumes, cover letters, and in interviews. These skills from different experiences may set you apart and make you eligible for more than just entry-level positions.
Dr. Emma Atwood
Associate Professor of EnglishUniversity of Montevallo
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Officer?
Dr. Emma Atwood: Now more than ever, in a fast-paced media landscape, we need people who understand how effective arguments work; who understand how persuasion, logic, and emotion affect audiences; and who can think critically about complex issues and see these issues from multiple perspectives. Training in English, Philosophy, and Communication helps prepare future leaders to pursue truth as they enter this landscape and transform it for the better.
Kevin Faigle
Media Relations SpecialistWhat Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Faigle: That's tough to answer. But one, try to see what other similar positions are being paid. There are plenty of websites where you can find salary ranges for positions and that may give a good basis for a starting point. Also, be sure to track everything you are good at and build that resume up. Sometimes a HR department will have a salary range in the job posting, and don't be afraid to ask for the higher amount or even negotiate. 100% of the questions you don't ask, the answer is no. If you are confident in your ability and confident in your background, then show that and push for a higher salary level.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Kevin Faigle: First and foremost, they need to be very adaptive and personable. They need to be able to build a relationship with the media, and outside sources. When you build trust with the media, you'll have a good relationship with them and it will be a win-win situation. Also, you need to become social media savvy. A lot of media relations positions are also responsible for social media accounts. Start paying attention to trends and find the best way to push your organization forward. I am also a big fan of people being good writers. We are in a day and age where writing is a lost art. But if you can be a good writer/communicator, you'll be ahead of most.
Dr. Zifei Chen
Associate Professor of Public Relations University of San FranciscoUniversity of San Francisco
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Zifei Chen: With the rapid development of technology such as generative AI, it will become even more important to understand how to use technology and tools effectively and *ethically* in today's public relations practice. It is also important to cultivate the soft skills of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and empathic listening to navigate the ever increasingly fragmented media landscape, information overload, and polarized views.
What will help Public Affairs Officers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Zifei Chen: A public relation job requires strong writing skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical thinking. In today's media landscape, one needs to understand how PESO (paid, earned, shared, and owned) channels are integrated in public relations practices. My advice for graduates beginning their career in public relations is to keep an open mind and be willing to collaborate across different functions, as the practices today are increasingly integrated. I would also advise them to find their community. Be proactive in joining in-person and virtual events hosted by professional organizations such as PRSA and IABC, and do not be afraid to go to networking events. You never know what the next conversation will lead you to!
Stacy Smulowitz Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Department Chair Department of Communication & MediUniversity of Scranton
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stacy Smulowitz Ph.D.: Public Relations: It is hard to say what individuals will like and dislike about specific jobs. That is really a personal choice. Many PR pros enjoy the variety in their jobs and the people they get to work with and meet daily. They also enjoy seeing the value they provide to the organization and the people they serve.